Heckler & Koch’s New MR762A1 7.62 NATO Piston-Driven Battle Rifle

Being introduced this SHOT Show, the MR762A1 is an evolutionary design that draws a great deal from HK‘s 416 and 417 rifle, the former known as the new M27 Infantry Automatic Weapon. Even if this doesn’t enter service, we have to like the MR762A1.

It shares a lot of things with the HK417, mainly, the gas piston system. Beefed up for 7.62x51mm/.308 Winchester, the piston operates just like the 5.56x45mm/.223 Remington original, and has proven to be just as durable and reliable. Like most piston-driven rifles, it does weigh a little more than your standard AR-10 or HK417, at 9.94 pounds, or about a pound more than the other two rifles. We were told that’s because this rifle has a heavier, accuratized barrel.

Also like the HK417, it has a cold hammer-forged barrel, improved pistol grip and adjustable buttstock, and free-floating quad rail. From the horse’s mouth:

“Ambidextrous operating controls are standard on the MR762A1, including a convertible charging handle and an ambidextrous selector lever. The MR762A1 uses the same 10- and 20-round translucent polymer box magazines made for the HK417; a 5-round magazine is also under development. MR762A1 rifles are well-suited for a variety of applications including law enforcement tactical, police patrol, general sporting, and hunting (a 5-round magazine is under development).

“Introduced in January 2012, the MR762A1’s Suggested Retail Price is $3,995.”

It is, in all essence, a semi-automatic, heavy-barreled, extra-precise HK417, and the price reflects that. Hopefully when they hit the market they’ll have an actual price closer to three grand than four, but it’d be hard to argue that your money wasn’t well-spent.

These rifles are some of the most reliable in their class, and can punch clover leafs on targets all day long without missing a beat. They’re on the expensive side, but if you’re looking for the best, well, at least now it’s for sale to civilians. And lucky law enforcement.